Hello everyone, Martin here
You'll be well aware of the fact that the North West, including East Lancashire, is seeing a significant increase in Covid infections and a suggestion in local media that hospitals could be overwhelmed in the coming days and weeks.
You'll know that we have contingency plans in place and have prepared for an increase. If you saw Kevin (McGee) on TV last night you'll have heard him say how amazing our staff have been despite the relentless pressure. I want to echo that, but realise that does not make your job any easier. I want to say a special thank you to all the staff in Critical Care and our wards, who have had to make many moves and changes as part of these preparations. However, we have to manage this, and we have to continue to do all we can to minimise the associated risks. In work, appropriate PPE must be worn. By appropriate, we mean the correct levels are worn, at all times, in all situations. And it is also essential that we take every opportunity to tell our friends and families of the importance of following the guidance around prevention and observing the rules about restrictions that are in place. We ourselves must be role models for this. A communications colleague once told me that the best way to get a message out there is to 'say it; say you've said it; then say it again'. So, please, wash your hands regularly; wear a face covering whenever this is required; and maintain a 2m space between yourself and others. Hands, face, space. Just a quick reminder, to everybody reading this, please, follow the rules to protect yourselves, your patients and your families.
There is a real national focus on flu prevention and a great example of us all pulling together to face just one of the many challenges we face approaching winter is our success in staff flu vaccinations. This year, more than ever, protection against flu is vital. Up to now, over 64% of our staff have had their flu jab. At this point last year, we'd achieved just over half of that. It's an incredible rate and testament to the determination of the occupational health team, and the willingness of our staff. Big thanks to all.
Like every hospital in the country, we are still subject to restrictions on visitors to our site. This is a safety precaution, and while it is unpopular with patients, visitors and indeed staff (after all, this goes against all our instincts for compassion) it is an essential component of the measures to keep our hospitals safe - for everyone - and to enable us to continue restoring our services. People need to be confident that if they need treatment, they can and should attend their appointments in the knowledge we are doing everything possible to prevent and control infection. I want to ask any stakeholders reading this to help us with this message. We really are sorry that we have to restrict visiting this way, but we really must. Details of the very few exceptions where limited visiting is permitted can be found on our website.
I want to say a big thank you to Pam Henderson in Pathology who has been instrumental in us securing delivery of a rapid testing machine that will allow us to significantly increase our capacity for in-house Covid testing. We've been waiting for this for a while, so well done Pam!
Did you manage to participate in any of the events or activities that took place this week as part of our Festival of Inclusion? Once again, this was a great success and highlighted the diversity of our workforce and the many benefits of that diversity. And yesterday was 'International Lesbian Day' so a special shout out to our many Lesbian staff and stakeholders.
The LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Plus) staff network and allies have been working together to identify the issues faced by staff and patients who identify as LGBTQ+. Key themes and how we can improve awareness and understanding of LGBTQ+ across the Trust have been created and can be viewed here.
Finally, an unusual end to the blog. I am going to 'tease' you with the news that a lovely announcement will be made tomorrow. Please look out in your inbox; follow our social media account @ELHT_NHS; or check out the website to make sure you're amongst the first to know.
And on that interesting note, I leave you, with my best wishes for a great weekend, and sincere thanks if you are working.
Best wishes, Martin